Vaughn, Benitez Arrive at Mets Camp

Published 8:00 pm, Monday, February 18, 2002

A little later than they were expected, closer Armando Benitez and new first baseman Mo Vaughn arrived at the New York Mets' camp Tuesday and said they ready to get to work.

Benitez had called the club to say he was going to miss a few days to attend to personal business. Vaughn was expected last Friday to report with rehabilitation position players.

"I've never been late, I apologized, I'm here and I'm ready to go," Benitez said. "I explained to Bobby and Steve that I had some business problems back here and it would only be for only a couple of days."

Neither Benitez, manager Bobby Valentine nor general manager Steve Phillips would comment to the nature of the personal problems.

"Personal reasons were good enough for me, he didn't have to be here, so the fact that he called and gave us several days heads-up was appreciated," Phillips said. "He looks good, looks like he's in good spirits and he's bright-eyed."

Benitez threw off the mound during the team's morning workout.

"He looks like he's been throwing for three months and that's because he has been throwing for three months," Valentine said. "He's been throwing to the kids down there (Dominican Republic) at his ranch."

Benitez said the reasons that cost him to miss the first few days of camp are behind him.

"I'm in great shape, good condition, my mind's clear and I'm ready to go," Benitez said. "I'm excited to come back and see all of my friends, they are part of my family."

Last season, Benitez was successful on a team-record 43 of 46 save chances.

"People get mad at me for a couple of blown saves," Benitez said. "Now I have my mind clear and my body is in good condition, they will see a different Armando, they can see what I really am."

Said Phillips: "There are 27 other teams that would like to have Armando, and when you have a player like that on your club, you tend to want to hold on to that player."

Vaughn was available and the Mets got him in December by sending pitcher Kevin Appier to the Anaheim Angels.

Vaughn, a 10-year veteran, missed last season because of an injured biceps that he had surgically repaired.

"I just want to get down here and get on the field. I've been trying to get on the field for more than a year," Vaughn he said. "I've just been running around for the last two weeks, trying to find a place to live. It'll be nice to get some consistency going on and just play the game."

Vaughn said he, too, is never late for camp and usually reports 2-to-3 weeks early. After reporting, he put his gear in his locker and then waited for the Mets to finish their workout so he could greet his new teammates.

"My main thing is to make it fun," Vaughn said. "We need to laugh and have fun and make jokes and stay loose."

Vaughn doesn't foresee any problem fitting in with the Mets.

"We don't have to go on a retreat to get to know each other," Vaughn said. "I don't need two weeks to get to know them. That will take just five minutes to find out what is going on with the individual."

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Notes:@ Vaughn said he will live in the Tribeca area of New York, a trendy section in lower Manhattan. … Jeff D'Amico threw off the mound after a two-day layoff.